Agri and processed food exports rise by over 11% in Apr-Dec

In the first nine months of FY25, rice exports surged by over 19% to US$ 8.72 billion, compared to US$ 6.44 billion during the same period last year. Exports of buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry products grew by more than 10% year-on-year to US$ 3.64 billion. Fresh fruit and vegetable shipments increased by over 5% to US$ 2.65 billion, while cereal preparations rose by more than 10% to US$ 2.03 billion.

India’s agricultural and processed food exports increased by over 11% year-on-year to US$ 17.77 billion during April-December of FY25, driven by robust global demand and eased restrictions on rice shipments. 

Rice exports, as per the data compiled by the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), surged by 19% to US$ 8.72 billion, up from US$ 6.44 billion in the same period last year. The government removed most restrictions on basmati and non-basmati rice exports by September 2024, including minimum export price and export duties, boosting trade. However, exports of broken rice remain banned. Overall, rice exports for FY25 are projected to grow by 10%, recovering from a 6.5% decline in FY24 due to restrictions aimed at stabilizing domestic supplies.

India’s global rice trade dominance is being restored, with strong demand from Africa and Southeast Asia, despite payment settlement issues with Iran. India has been the largest rice exporter for over a decade.

Buffalo meat, dairy, and poultry product exports rose by more than 10% to US$ 3.64 billion during April-December, up from US$ 3.3 billion in the same period of FY24, driven by the global demand for high-quality Indian bovine meat processed as per the World Organization for Animal Health guidelines. 

Fresh fruit and vegetable shipments increased by over 5% to US$ 2.65 billion, while cereal preparations saw a 10% rise to US$ 2.03 billion. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has set an export target of US$ 26.56 billion for FY25, with APEDA products comprising 51% of total agri-export value. Other agricultural exports include marine products, tobacco, coffee, and tea.